By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
Wema Bank has unveiled 21 finalists for the seventh edition of its Hackaholics innovation programme, who will compete at the grand finale scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026, in Lagos.
Themed “Festival of the Future,” the grand finale is expected to bring together technology leaders, startup founders, investors, innovators and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem to celebrate creativity, technological advancement and emerging solutions to societal challenges.
The 21 finalists are Dynalimb, Harthiq, Acceede, Vhorde, URI, Trarrk, SocialSign, RaverPay, All-Arbitrates, CitizensGage, Craft-Planet, FOID, PayByPalm, Niteonn, Nexa-AI, Neural-Forge, MamaAlert, JolliFlow, Becca, CropiQ and Middleman.
Hackaholics is Wema Bank’s youth- and startup-focused initiative designed to provide young innovators with a platform to transform technology-driven ideas into practical solutions to real-world challenges while positioning them for opportunities in the global digital economy.
Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has attracted more than 21,000 applicants, engaged over 50,000 participants, supported more than 10,000 startups across three countries and facilitated the development of over 100 solutions.
The 2026 edition, which commenced on July 1, attracted 5,329 participants and generated 1,632 innovative ideas and solutions across seven pitch centres in Uyo, Kano, YabaTech, Benin, Ibadan, Enugu and Lagos.
Following the nationwide programme, 59 participants emerged from the various centres, with 21 finalists eventually selected through a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process.
Activities lined up for the grand finale week include a three-day programme of pitching, networking and engagement with key players in the technology sector.
On Wednesday, November 4, the finalists will participate in the Pre-Pitch session, where they will present refined versions of their innovative solutions.
This will be followed by an Ecosystem Tour on Thursday, November 5, powered by Wema Bank. The tour will provide participants with opportunities to visit leading institutions within the technology and innovation ecosystem, interact with industry professionals and gain practical insights ahead of the final competition.
The programme will climax on Friday, November 6, with the grand finale, where outstanding innovators will be recognised and rewarded.
Through Hackaholics, Wema Bank continues to strengthen its commitment to developing Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem by identifying emerging talents, creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs and supporting the development of technology-driven solutions to pressing societal challenges.
The initiative also reinforces the bank’s efforts to empower the next generation of innovators and create an enabling environment where innovative ideas can grow into sustainable businesses.
